Ground-source heat pumps: boreholes, collectors and costs
Checked
A ground-source heat pump extracts heat through a closed loop containing heat-transfer fluid. The loop can be in a borehole or a horizontal collector. The land and source design matter as much as the indoor unit.
Borehole depth, collector area and total cost cannot be established without site information and a design.
Borehole or horizontal collector
A vertical loop uses a deeper borehole; a horizontal collector uses a larger area of land nearer the surface. Both are closed ground loops, rather than a system that pumps groundwater through the heat pump.
Their capacity depends on ground conditions, moisture, extraction load and long-term operation. A fixed number of metres per kW is not a complete source design.
Land, geology and access
Check geology, available area, drilling access, underground services and the future use of the plot. Include reinstatement and disposal of excavated material in the quotation.
The source design must cover peak demand and annual heat extraction. A stable source temperature does not mean unlimited energy can be extracted from an undersized loop.
Output and running costs
Compare performance at the same brine and heating-water temperatures, with the same test boundary. Include circulation pumps, hot water and backup when estimating the complete system's electricity use.
Low-temperature heating remains helpful. A ground loop does not remove the need to check radiator output and the house's heat loss.
Installation cost and scope
The unit price leaves out a substantial part of the project. Ask for the boreholes or collector, ground works, manifolds, fluid, testing, indoor installation, electrical work and commissioning.
The price page includes dated ground-source examples with their limitations. A starting price without borehole depth or geology is not a fixed quote for your site.
| Offer | Price | Note and source |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-source with horizontal collector, 8–15 kW | from €14,000including VAT | Starting price. Collector area and model are not stated.Klima Prof, checked 20 October 2026 |
| Ground-source including boreholes | from €14,900including VAT | Starting price. Borehole depth and geology are not stated.ibyxenergy.sk, checked 20 October 2026 |
| Ground-source including drilling, 8–15 kW | from €18,000including VAT | Starting price. Borehole depth and model are not stated.Klima Prof, checked 20 October 2026 |
Design and permissions
Discuss the specific parcel with the designer and relevant authorities before work starts. Water and geological requirements depend on the installation and location; a generic diagram does not establish permission.
Confirm responsibility for surveys, documentation, approvals and source performance in writing.
Sources
We are an independent information site. We do not sell or install equipment. These dated sources do not replace a design for your home. Source links are not affiliate links.
- SIEA: choosing a heat pump (Slovak)
- Slovak Water Act — Source version effective from 14 October 2025; site-specific assessment required.
- Slovak Geological Act — Source version effective from 1 April 2025.